RETURN to Clinton Crisis
Excerpts from Willey deposition
THE ASSOCIATED PRESSCopyright 1998 Associated Press.
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Excerpts from former White House aide Kathleen Willey's deposition in the Paula Jones sexual-harassment lawsuit against President Clinton. Jones' lawyer Donovan Campbell did the questioning:
Q: Were you involved in any way in the incident?
A: Yes.
Q: And to the best of your recollection, what date was that?
A: November 29, 1993.
Q: And what was the purpose of your visit to Mr. Clinton?
A: To discuss my need for a paid position.
Q: And where did you see Mr. Clinton?
A: In the Oval Office.
Q: And who else was present?
A: No one.
Q: Could you tell us, please, to the best of your recollection, what you said to Mr. Clinton?
A: We were having a family crisis and my husband asked me to sign a note for a large amount of money two weeks prior to this -- to my going into the White House. And I was there just to say that I could no longer volunteer.
Q: Did you say anything else?
A: That was about the gist of it.
Q: Well, ma'am, I thought you told us before that you were intending to go see Mr. Clinton about a paying job within the White House, is that right?
A: I went to tell him that I couldn't be a volunteer anymore and that I was going to need to get paid if I was going to continue to come to Washington to work.
Q: To the best of your recollection, please tell us what you recall that Mr. Clinton said to you in that conversation.
A: He said that -- I think he said that they would try to help me.
Q: You said in response to my question, "Did he physically approach you at any time that day," you said yes I believe. Is that correct?
A: Well, when I walked in he got up and came over and hugged me.
Q: During that hug, what precisely occurred?
A: Nothing.
Q: Just an embrace?
A: Yes.
Q: About how long did that last?
A: A few seconds.
Q: Can you tell us how the meeting in the private office concluded?
A: I think I said, "I've taken enough of your time and thank you for listening."
Q: And did he say anything back to you?
A: I think he said he was sorry that I was having the problems -- that we were having the problems we were having.
Q: And then what happened?
A: Then he hugged me again and said that they would try to help me.
Q: And was that at the door in the private hallway leading back to the Oval Office?
A: Yes.
Q: And please describe the exact physical nature of that hug?
A: It was just a hug.
Q: After that hug, what happened after that?
A: Well, it continued.
Q: Okay. Please describe exactly how it continued.
A: The hug just continued longer than I expected.
Q: Was there any kissing involved during that hug?
A: There was an attempt.
Q: Please describe that as fully as you can.
A: He attempted to kiss me.
Q: Mr. Clinton did?
A: Yes.
Q: On the lips?
A: Yes.
Q: Did Mr. Clinton ever seek to take either of your hands and place it on his body anyplace?
A: Yes.
Q: Please describe that.
A: He put his hands -- he put my hands on his genitals.
Q: Did you attempt to withdraw your hand from his genital area?
A: Yes.
Q: Promptly?
A: Yes.
Q: Did Mr. Clinton attempt to touch your breasts?
A: I think so.
Q: And what's the basis for your thinking so?
A: I have a recollection of that.
Q: Was he successful?
A: Yes.
Q: At any time during -- from the beginning of this hugging incident that you're just now describing up through to the point in time that you broke away and left the room, did he say anything to you?
A: (After an objection from Clinton's attorney Bob Bennett) I recall him saying that he had wanted to do that for a long time.
Q: Was there anyone at the door (of the Oval Office) when you exited?
A: I recall seeing I believe it was Lloyd Bentsen. I saw about six people standing there. I recall him and I think Leon Panetta.
Q: Did you ever talk to anyone acting on behalf of Mr. Clinton about that particular incident?
A: No
Q: Has anyone ever encouraged you directly or indirectly not to talk about that incident?
A: No. (Willey later changed this answer, citing a misunderstanding of the question)
A: (Democratic donor) Nate Landow discussed my upcoming deposition with me.
This article was published on Monday, March 16, 1998
RETURN to Clinton CrisisCopyright 1998, Little Rock Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.
This document cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of Little Rock Newspapers, Inc.